Body, Imperfectionism, and Being a Guest House: 3 Poems for 2023

Once again, I commit to poems instead of new year's resolutions

In 2021, a poem unofficially guided my decisions. In 2022, I declared two poems as my new year's resolutions. Continuing this practice, I am committing to three poems in 2023. If I keep going like this, I'll have a panel of six poets to consult with in 2026!

Why Poetry/Art Resolutions?

Before I share the three poems for 2023 with you, I really recommend the act of picking up inspiring poems/movies/songs/paintings or any pieces of art as your new-year resolution. Last year on the same date, I explained why I am choosing to skip the drama of overpromising and guilt-tripping - but instead letting these two poems be my year-long guardians:

How does it help me?

• Because I chose Courage by Naomi Shihab Nye, a poem on the courage of words in the fear of everything, I published 18 essays on substack, wrote and spoke some difficult personal truths, drafted many poems, and read them out in front of my friends.

• Because I chose Prayer by Galway Kinnell, a poem on accepting the reality of the present moment and appreciating it, I accepted when I felt tired, incredibly inspired, or scared of rejection. I allowed big changes to drive a snowplough through my life, with their bandwagon of emotions. With this acceptance, I disconnected from people, places, and causes which were anyway disconnected from me, and reconnected with those I really needed.

No wonder I’m signing up again to do this.

What do I do exactly?

I picked the poems in the first two weeks of Jan. I revisited and consulted the poems every week in my journal — a practice that dwindled a lot in the second half of 2022. In 2023, I hope to memorise the poems, handwrite them in my notebooks, and put them up on the cupboard next to the mirror.

So, without further delay, let me share the three poems. Maybe one of them will inspire you too?

Body, Imperfectionism, and Becoming a Guest House: 3 Poems for 2023

1. Starting to Love the Body with Question by May Swenson

May Swenson was an American poet. I’ve heard that when her family was drafting their family tree, she enlisted the titles of her poems as her children. One such child of hers has travelled wide - her poem titled ‘Question’.

Question by May Swenson

The rhythm somehow reminds me of a mother speaking to her child at night. I love this poem because it describes the body as an animal, as a horse or a bright dog with the utmost affection. I need this poem because it doesn’t make any grand promises to the body, just spends time in the (late) realization of love and gratitude for the body. That’s what I want to do in the seasons of 2023.

2. Deliberate Imperfectionism with 'How Not to be a Perfectionist’ by Molly Brodak

I don't know much about the late Molly Brodak and her poetry but when my friend Nishi shared the following poem with me, I was struck by the compact cure it offered.

How to Not Be a Perfectionist by Molly Brodak

While I have realised that perfectionism is my vice, my secret way of punishing myself, I am struggling to let go of it. The poem gets straight to the point, by reminding us of both the vividness and the finitude of our lives. I want to recite this poem when I'm stuck in the neck of a project and need to flow out. In 2023, I want to be imperfect more regularly.

3. Welcoming all Emotions with 'The Guest House’ by Rumi

You know Rumi, the Instagram-friendly Sufi poet. You might have seen this essential poem of his before:

The Guest House - by Rumi. Translated by Coleman Barks.

While the poem is easy to appreciate as a concept, it is hard to practice. In my guest house, fear and frustration are always welcome. But I turn my back like a rude receptionist when I see sadness, anger, and even joy arrive at the door. Then they sneak in through the windows, fill up the rooms in the basement, and call my desk every few minutes, asking for room service. In 2023, I want to welcome all emotions without interrogation, believing that they are all my potential friends, visiting for good reasons that I don't always understand.

Will let you know how it goes in Jan of 2024! If you do your resolutions differently too, please let me know in the comments.

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PS: In case you missed the birthday special offer - I’m offering free 20 min calls to answer any questions regarding starting your own newsletter or substack.